The women have dusted off their sequined dresses, the men have assumed matador poses and the whole big diamante ball is rolling again. An all-new cast of local celebrities will hit the dance floor for an encore performance of the successful "Dancing with Local Stars" benefit.

Patterned after the popular TV show, local business and civic leaders are paired with professional ballroom dance instructors for a lively evening of dance competition. Energetic audience participation makes for a memorable, high-energy night. Ballroom dancing at a Country Western Club... what could be more fun? For the third year in a row, this event will be held at The Saddle Rack in Fremont.

Five intrepid souls will venture out of their comfort zones to compete in three dances: Salsa, East Coast Swing, and Tango. Each dancer will use their own music and practice all three dances. With an audience of their peers and almost everyone they know looking on, the dancers are aware of the need to rehearse every chin tilt and fanny wag. This year's local celebrities are Nittra Foreman, chef and co-owner of Papillon Restaurant, Dirk Lorenz of Fremont Flowers, Nina Moore, Fremont Chamber of Commerce, Fremont Education Foundation, and Fremont Rotarian, Vera Packard, Executive Director of HERS Breast Cancer Foundation, and Ruth Traylor, Director of Community Affairs, Washington Hospital.

There are no elimination rounds; participants dance and then get feedback from the judges about their performance. The winner is picked by a judge's tally and "roar and score" which means that the more friends and supporters cheering for a couple results in a greater chance of victory. The winning couple will receive a trophy, flowers and, of course crowns - a Barbie crown and a Burger King crown - adding to the festivities.

Regina Hayes, Marketing Manager for Tri-city health center, says: "This is our way to recognize the community that has offered us so much. The tax-deductible ticket includes hors d'oeuvres, an evening of entertainment and the chance to see local personalities get their arms twisted to participate in a dance competition that all their peers are watching!"

Thirteen local restaurants will provide food. In addition, two exclusive items will be raffled. "Circle of Love" a diamond necklace and a Lake Tahoe get-away. Premium drawing tickets are $20 each and only 100 tickets will be sold at the event.

For those of you who missed the sold-out competition last year, this is another chance to see local personalities paired with professional dancers to raise money for medical and dental services for families in our community.